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Feb. 6, 2025 – Former North Central College women's soccer player and coach Katie McNeela '14 has been named the 2025 Cleo Tanner Award honoree, the College's athletic department announced Thursday as part of the annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration.

"As a student-athlete, North Central is where I found my voice, my purpose, my people. From player to coach to staff member, every role has deepened my connection to our athletics program," said McNeela. "Receiving the Cleo Tanner Award is an honor that feels like a full-circle moment. The same community that shaped so much of who I am today, is now saying 'we see you, we value your impact.' That hits different. Our North Central athletics program transforms athletes into leaders, day after day -- and it's a privilege to work with this group and be recognized for this award."

The Cleo Tanner Award for Outstanding Contributions to North Central College Women's Athletics was first awarded in 2006 to honor the contributions of an individual or individuals who have positively influenced women's athletics at the College. It is presented annually in February in conjunction with North Central College's National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration.

McNeela was a standout member of the Cardinal women's soccer team from 2010 to 2014. She led the Cardinals to the program's first College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament appearance in 2012. McNeela anchored a defensive unit that pitched six shutouts in 2011, was second on the team in goals scored in 2013, and was named Academic All-CCIW selection all four years.

"One of the most valuable lessons I learned as a student-athlete was the importance of "showing up". "Showing up" looks different depending on what season of life you're in but the core principles are the same -- coming prepared as your best self, ready to contribute. It's a simple concept that's carried a profound impact for me. Showing up looks like putting in the work during the offseason when no one's watching. It's coming to class prepared and engaged. It's understanding and fully embracing your role on a team. But beyond individual commitment, it's about recognizing when others need support and being there for them - whether that's staying after practice to help a teammate get reps or stepping up in a group project when someone's struggling. Being a student-athlete taught me that success isn't just about personal achievement - it's about lifting others while pursuing your own goals," McNeela said.

She returned to North Central and coached the Cardinals for four seasons. McNeela also worked as an assistant director of marketing before being promoted to director of enrollment marketing at the College.

"I remember visiting campus as a high school student -- looking for a place to continue my soccer career," said McNeela. "During my first campus visit, I remember the distinct feeling as though I wasn't just another name on a roster. Who I was, and what I wanted to accomplish in my four years mattered. The coaches didn't just talk about wins and losses; they talked about growth, community, and impact. The faculty didn't just discuss majors; they talked about connection and possibilities. It became clear to me that this was a place where individual stories mattered. And because of that approach, my four years at North Central were some of the most impactful years of my life. That's why I came back to coach - I wanted the opportunity to create that same experience for other athletes."

In 2023, Katie McNeela was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma. She faced her cancer battle with fierce resolve. Determined to overcome, Katie showed her inner strength and courage as she underwent treatment.

"Katie has the Midas touch. Her optimism and passion are transformative and turn anything she touches to gold," head women's soccer coach Andrew Gamarra said. "Katie's competitive force, both as a player and as a coach, catalyzed the turning point in North Central College Women's Soccer. Those same characteristics that elevated her team also carried her through her cancer battle, which she won with fierce resolve and her trademark positive attitude. Above and beyond all of these things, Katie is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. We all have much to learn from Katie's example, the most important lesson of which is to bring our whole selves to every endeavor and to pursue our goals with heartfelt enthusiasm."

McNeela graduated from North Central with a bachelor's degree in marketing and organizational communication with a minor in psychology.

"National Girls and Women in Sports Day commemorates the progress made since the passage of Title IX in 1972. It's wild to think that just one generation ago, women's sports looked completely different," said McNeela. "Now everywhere you look women's sports is popping off -- viewership, investment, resourcing. With this much growth, it can feel this progress was inevitable. But it wasn't. It was earned through countless small victories, persistent voices, and unwavering determination. National Girls and Women in Sports Day isn't just a celebration - it's a reminder that we stand on the shoulders of giants. And while we're seeing this incredible season of growth in women's sports, our work isn't done. We're not just celebrating history - we're actively writing it. Every game, every season, every breakthrough is adding another chapter to this incredible story. So we must continue to put in the work -- advocating for equality and opportunity across all levels of sport for all types of athletes."

McNeela is the 18th recipient of the Cleo Tanner Award. You can see the past recipients HERE.

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